Developing Naval, Defence Manpower through Purposeful Training at NAVTRAC 

The Naval Training Command, NAVTRAC, is responsible for the implementation of the Nigeria Navy training doctrine, policies and concepts, all which are targeted towards actualising the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla’s Strategic Directive and Mission. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the command, which is driving excellence through purposeful training and development of Naval and Defence Manpower, was recently relocated from Lagos to Ebubu-Eleme in Rivers State

With the express mandate to develop, train and implement all policies for naval personnel on the core professional, mission and operational requirements of a modern Nigeria Navy (NN), the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) was established. This they are doing through purposeful training, technology and service delivery. 

It was founded on May 20, 1987 to coordinate and harmonise all of Nigeria Navy training, which include basic procedures, operational and tactical training for commissioned officers, midshipmen, cadets and ratings.

But to do this, they have keyed into the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla’s Strategic Directive and Mission, which is in pursuit of “A highly motivated professional naval force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagements in fulfilment of Nigeria’s national interest”.

This is also in furtherance of his mission to “Maintain and equip a professionally competent and ethical naval force while leveraging on all element of national power for the effective defence of Nigeria’s maritime area of interest against all form of threat in fulfilment of national security imperatives”. 

Mission, Vision, Strategy 

At NAVTRAC, it’s mission is “To provide initial, specialist, professional and bespoke training/education to NN, AFN and other Nigerian/international agencies’ personnel through collaboration with relevant stakeholders towards optimal Nigerian Navy performance”. 

The vision on the other hand has is for 

“A highly motivated professional naval force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagements in fulfilment of Nigeria’s national interest.”

For strategy, the strategic approach for NAVTRAC is filing the gap first and advancing specialised learning across naval disciplines. 

Purposeful Training 

Driving excellency through purposeful training and development of Naval and Defence Manpower, the training in NAVTRAC is the backbone of the service. To this end, the command refitted the infrastructure and deployed technology and well engaged personnel to bring efficiency and effectiveness to the training operations. 

Technology

Globally, technology is key and in today’s military, that is very strategic, both in force management and equipment usage. The Command is exploring technology options and solutions to bring personnel and officers to a place great knowledge in technology and enable its usage for the attainment of their goals.

Service

Delivery quality service and optimal performance on assigned duties are critical to the success of mandate of the Nigerian Navy and in this regard, the services rendered by NAVTRAC and its several schools under it are part of what oils the engine room of the Nigerian Navy. 

Schools Under NAVTRAC

To carry out its training responsibilities, NAVTRAC has various specialised schools located across the country. From Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA in Apapa to Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne; Nigerian Naval College, Onne; Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerrinta; Nigerian Naval Engineering College in Sapele; Nigerian Navy Center for Education and Training Technology in Ile Ife; and Nigerian Defence Academy (Naval Wing) in Kaduna.

Others include Nigerian Navy School of Health Science in Offa; Nigerian Naval School of Armament in Kachia; 

Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulatory School in Makurdi; Nigerian Navy Hydrolographic School in Port Harcourt; 

Joint Military Security Training Centre in Ojo; Nigerian Navy Logistics College in Dawakin Tofa; and Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services, Ojo.

Movement to Ebubu-Eleme, Rivers State 

The chain of events that began with the movement of Naval Training Command from Apapa, Lagos to Ebubu-Eleme, Rivers State, kicked off with the donation of Ambassador Nne Furo Kurubo Model Secondary School Ebubu-Eleme and the Model Secondary School Egberu in Oyigbo LGA to the NN by the Rivers State government in April, 2023, when the then governor, Nyesom Wike, ceded the structures to the NN for use.

Faced with the property that needed renovation, the Nigerian Navy carried out extensive renovations and upgrade of infrastructure in the complex, which led to the relocation of NAVTRAC. 

About two weeks back, the Nigerian Navy inaugurated the newly set up Naval Training Command. The command was inaugurated by the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, just as the Rear Admiral MAB ELEGBEDE Hall situated inside HQ NAVTRAC was commissioned after the Governor unveiled the marble for the command.

In his speech, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, said the relocation marked a significant strategic move by the Nigerian Navy, underscoring the importance of having the HQ NAVTRAC in the riverine environment that Rivers State provides.

While appreciating the Rivers State government and the people of Rivers State for the donating the school complex, the CNs said it was an indication of the existing cordial relationship and support of the state to the NN.

 He said; “The relocation of the Headquarters Naval Training Command from Lagos State to Ebubu-Eleme in Rivers State will lead to increase in human capacity development for the Nigerian Navy as well as strengthen our operations for national development. 

“It will assist in providing the enabling learning environment for the Nigerian Navy to carry out its statutory mandate of enhancing maritime security in our waters. This is in line with achieving Mr President’s mandate of harnessing the enormous economic potentials in our maritime environment for national economic prosperity. 

“The Nigerian Navy will continue to carry out operations to ensure security of our maritime domain as well as security of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region for the development of the region.”

The CNS, who further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his constant support to the NN, also said while the navy is grateful for the support from the Rivers State government, he would further solicit for more towards the upgrade of more infrastructure in this complex and for the renovation of the second secondary school for the relocation of Nigerian Naval College to Egberu. 

He also appreciated the support of the National Assembly to the attainment of Nigerian Navy’s constitutional mandate as was evidenced by the presence of Hon. Babajimi Benson.In his speech, 

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, announced the donation of N350million to the NN to support the continuing infrastructure development and operationalisation of the training command in the state.

He also charged the navy to ensure that its investment in the professional development of naval personnel is translated into visible advancement in the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests and blue economy.

He said: “This magnificent training command stands as a testament to the commitment of the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to invest in the professional development of our naval personnel with the singular objective of cultivating a highly skilled, proficient and motivated naval force capable of advancing the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests.”
Noting that Rivers State is a littoral territory with significant deposits of natural resources that was exposed to seaborne security threats, activities of pirates, kidnappers, and pipeline vandals, which impact adversely on the state and national economies, if not effectively tackled, he said it’s 

why he will continue to provide tangible support and work together with the NN and other security agencies to safeguard the freedom of navigation, combat criminality on the waterways and ensure the state is safe and secure for business and development to thrive and benefit our people and the nation.
With the command, he charged them to effectively maintain

 and utilise the facility to expand their operations and activities for national security development, just as they are to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area.Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 

Hon. Tajudeen Abass, who was represented by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, urged the NN to defend and protect the sovereignty of Nigeria’s territorial waters against all forms of threats.Highpoints of the event were the presentation of plaques to the CNS and the Governor by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara and a

 guarded tour of facilities at the complex.

To witness the auspicious event were dignitaries, captains of industries, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and military officers. For the senior officers in attendance,  in no particular order were Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara, FOC Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC); Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu; Rear Admiral Patrick Effah; NHQ (CIT) – CCI, Rear Admiral ZS Muhammad; Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande; Rear Admiral Samson Burra; Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; and Rear Admiral HUF Kaoje. 

Others include the Naval Secretary (NAVSEC), Rear Admiral PC Nwatu; Chief of Naval Engineering (CONE), Rear Admiral Kohath Levi; NHQ (LOG) – COL, Rear Admiral OK Oluwagbire; Rear Admiral AJ Oyegade; Director Naval Transformation, (DNTRANS), Rear Admiral B Iyalla; Rear Admiral Damtong, Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Port Harcourt.

Not left out were OPDS Commander, Rear Admiral JU Okeke; Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu, Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot (ASNOD); Rear Admiral Musa Madugu, Director of Admin (DOA); Rear Admiral JN Mamman, DOT; Commander NNS PATHFINDER, Commodore Desmond Igbo; Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu and a host of other senior officers.